Bowing to the crowd, who gave him a long standing ovation, Plummer gestured to the Oscar statuette and said: "You're only two years older than me, darling. Where have you been all my life?

"I have a confession to make. When I first emerged from my mother's womb, I was already rehearsing my Academy Awards speech... mercifully for you, I've forgotten it, but I haven't forgotten who to thank - the Academy, of course, for this extraordinary honour, and my fellow nominees... I'm so proud to be in your company."

Plummer also thanked director Mike Mills and Beginners co-star Ewan McGregor, calling him a "superb artist, who I would happily share this award with if I had any decency - but I don't".

He also paid tribute to producers Olympic Films, studio Focus Features and his daughter Amanda, "who always makes me proud".

Plummer finally thanked his "long-suffering wife Elaine, who deserves the Nobel Peace Prize for coming to my rescue every day of my life. Thank you so much."